Summary
Highlights
After Napoleon's fall, conservative patricians regained control in Switzerland. The Aargau government prepared troops as the Bernese government tried to reclaim land. European powers at the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) granted Switzerland perpetual neutrality and inviolability of its territory, marking the beginning of Switzerland's permanent neutrality as a core foreign policy principle.
The restoration brought significant territorial changes. Valais, Neuchâtel, and parts of the Prince-Bishopric of Basel were reintegrated into Switzerland. Neuchâtel, however, remained a dual entity, being both a Swiss canton and a dominion of the Prussian king, leading to conflicts like the Neuchâtel Crisis of 1856. The Prince-Bishopric of Basel became part of the canton of Bern until 1979 when a portion split off to form the canton of Jura.
Many territories remained disputed, with Switzerland aiming to acquire areas like Upper Savoy. Bern sought to regain Vaud and Aargau, while other cantons also had territorial claims. These disagreements led to lengthy negotiations at the so-called 'Long Tagatzung' in Zurich. Under Austrian and Russian influence, the Federal Treaty was agreed upon in 1815, establishing Switzerland's current external borders.
The Federal Treaty established Switzerland as a confederation, strengthening cantonal sovereignty. Each canton had its own customs duties, currency, and measurements, leading to a fragmented 'state confederation' rather than a unified 'Switzerland.' Liberal achievements were reversed, and the old order was largely restored. The Tagatzung met every two years in rotating 'Voroerte' (Zurich, Bern, or Lucerne) and was primarily responsible for defense. Urban populations were highly favoured, with towns having disproportionate representation compared to rural areas. Monasteries also received legal protection, and the treaty was designed to be unalterable.